Impressive rounds from Graham Howell and Sean Mason ensured a share of the overnight clubhouse lead going into the final day of the Ryder Cup Wales 2010 Welsh Open PGA Championship.
Howell shot a second successive 69 to steal the initiative and was soon joined at the top of the leaderboard by the Teign Valley professional, who recorded a flawless 67 in sunny conditions at Marriott St Pierre, Chepstow.
Mason, starting on the back nine, began brightly with three early birdies on his way out and added another at the sixth to make it four under for the day and the tournament.
"I made three twos which is always pleasing," said Mason, a winner of the now defunct Welsh Classic three years ago.
"I want to go out there and do something similar on Thursday and hopefully keep enjoying it.
"I've been playing nicely recently getting myself into good positions but I've been getting bogeys in the middle of the round - a bit like on Tuesday - but I've been hitting it good and hopefully that will continue."
It could have been even better for Ferndown Forest professional Howell, whose double bogey at the 18th denied him a solitary lead.
Howell, who earlier made five birdies and a bogey at the seventh, said: "If you had given me 71 at the start of the day I probably would have torn your hand off.
"I'm more than happy with how things stand now. It's just a little bit frustrating when you have got it to six under to then drop a couple but that's golf.
"After about seven holes the wind completely changed to what we had on Tuesday. Some of the pin positions were much tougher - I'm just happy to make the cut and be in contention."
Welsh Order of Merit leader Andrew Barnett remains just one behind on three under after he added to Tuesday's 69 with a 70.
"I played good again," he said. It's a tough course - you have to position your shots so well. I think seven under will be enough to win it.
Another 70 from three-time European Tour winner Stephen Dodd ensured he remains well placed for a final day charge on two under, the same score as Derby golfer Ian Walley.
Last year's runner-up ensured he would again be among the title contenders with an eagle at the 14th the highlight of his two under par round.
Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) and Cliff Gough (Sutton Green) were one further behind, while a 69 from former champion Sion Bebb (Vale of Glamorgan) reignited his hopes of a repeat victory as he moved to level par.
But it was a disappointing day for overnight leader Jon Bevan (Wessex Golf Centre) who ended the day one over after a frustrating 75.